UFA Tracker

Rumor Roundup: Bruins, Rangers, and Senators buzz

As the trade deadline nears, the Boston Bruisn continue to search for a first-line right wing. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers may be in the market for a short-term backup for Cam Talbot and the Senators are exploring options for Chris Neil.

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos believes the Bruins are the closest to acquiring the 27-year-old Stewart, but what the Sabres want in return remains a sticking point. Kypreos claims Bruins prospect Ryan Spooner could be in play, but Sabres GM Tim Murray wants another piece in the deal.

It’s been rumored for months Murray wants a top prospect and a draft pick, preferably a high one, for Stewart. While Stewart’s production has improved in recent weeks, Murray’s asking price remains a deal breaker.

Given the Bruins improvement in 2015, there’s not as much pressure to add a scoring right wing compared to earlier in the season. Given the expensive price tag for Stewart, they could be content to wait for better options to emerge in the trade market.

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist suffered a vascular injury after being struck in the throat by a puck during a recent game.. He is sidelined for at least a month, prompting suggestions Rangers GM Glen Sather could hit the trade market in search of a short-term backup for Cam Talbot, who’s filling in for the sidelined Lundqvist.

Another option could be Edmonton Oilers netminder Viktor Fasth, who’s also eligible for UFA status at season’s end. While his performance has improved in recent games, the Oilers could try to move him at the trade deadline.

OTTAWA MAKING NEIL DEAL?

Long-time Ottawa Senators tough guy Chris Neil could be on the move by the March trade deadline. Though the 35-year-old Neil reportedly told Senators GM Bryan Murray his first choice is to remain in Ottawa, he could still be dealt in the coming weeks.

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports Neil submitted a 15-team no-trade list at the start of the season. Garrioch claims the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets are among six to eight teams with interest in the gritty winger. If any of those teams aren’t on Neil’s no-trade list, Murray can move him without his permission.

Neil has a year remaining on his contract at an affordable $1.5 million, but he’ll still be a tight fit for the Blackhawks and Blues, who have limited cap space this season and next. The Predators could be an interesting fit, as Neil could rejoin his former Senators teammate Mike Fisher.

Rumor Roundup appears regularly only on thehockeynews.com. Lyle Richardson has been an NHL commentator since 1998 on his website, spectorshockey.net, and is a contributing writer for Eishockey News and The Guardian (P.E.I.).